Worcester police investigate apparent murder-suicide

Saturday

Jun 15, 2013 at 8:00 AMJun 15, 2013 at 6:03 PM

By Craig Semon TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

WORCESTER — Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Lamar Avenue. The bodies of the victims - a boyfriend and girlfriend, according to police - were discovered by police officers on a well-being check shortly before midnight.

Police said the woman, 47, and man, 42, died from apparently gunshot wounds. Both were dead when found.

Police are terming the case an apparent murder-suicide. They did not identify which of the two fired the gun.

According to police, officers went to 16 Lamar Ave. about 11:30 Friday night after a woman asked authorities to check on the welfare of a friend at the address. The woman told officers that she was worried because she had not heard from her friend.

Officers checked the exterior of the home and discovered a side door unlocked. The officers knocked on the door and received no answer. There were two vehicles in the driveway, lights on inside the home and evidence to suggest that the woman was home.

According to police, officers announced their presence and entered the home. Once inside they observed a male and female victim on the floor, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds

The Worcester police detective bureau and the crime scene unit were called in. Investigators sealed off the scene and processed evidence.

The names of the victims are not being released until family is notified, police said.

This is the third homicide in the city this year and the second murder-suicide in less than two months.

On April 22, Glomerys Martinez, 37, and Douglas Youmans, 50, both of Worcester, were found in an enclosed porch at Ms. Martinez's home at 47 Hadwen Road. Ms. Martinez and Mr. Youmans were both victims of gunshot wounds.

Police said Mr. Youmans, a correction officer, was a former boyfriend of Ms. Martinez, who was a court officer. They had a son together.

On Feb. 2, Boris M. Velez II, 20, during a party at 35 Sherbrook Ave., suffered a stab wound of the neck and died three days later at UMass Memorial Medical Center -- University Campus.

Jay S. Anderson, 21, of 15 Calamint Hill Road, Princeton, is being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge.

Authorities said an argument between Mr. Anderson and Mr. Velez preceded the stabbing.